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Alliance Formed to Advance Alberta’s Beef Industry

Four beef industry organizations representing producers across Alberta, Canada, have formed a new coalition called the Beef Industry Alliance (BIA).

“The BIA was created to provide a forum for like-minded organizations that support a new approach to advancing the beef industry in Alberta,” said Russ Pickett, chairman, Western Stock Growers Association. Other founding members include the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association (ACFA), the Beef Initiative Group (BIG), and the Feeder Associations of Alberta (FAA). All four groups are committed to working in a constructive way with the government on the newly announced Alberta Livestock and Meat Strategy (ALMS).

“The BIA is about a broad-based approach to advancing the beef industry, and other supply chain partners will be invited to be part of the BIA as we build momentum around ALMS,” said Jack de Boer, vice chairman, ACFA.

The BIA supports the merits of the ALMS, which include age verification and traceability. Pickett pointed out that when Alberta’s beef industry seeks to compete for business in foreign markets, it needs to offer customers confidence in the products they sell.

“The basics start with a modest effort on verifying the age of our cattle and building on the current traceability system to provide our customers with the information they need,” Pickett added. “This is a watershed moment in the history of the beef industry in this province and we intend to be an active participant in shaping its future.”